High-functioning anxiety is a type of anxiety that doesn’t disrupt your daily life. In other words, it doesn’t cause you to have irrational fears or overwhelming anxiety attacks. High-functioning anxiety is instead a type of anxiety that causes you to feel overwhelmed, tense, and stressed but doesn’t interfere with your everyday life. While high-functioning anxiety can be a symptom of various disorders, it is also a common affliction among individuals who are generally healthy and thriving. If you think you may suffer from high-functioning anxiety, ask yourself some questions: Do I feel constantly stressed? Do I often feel on edge? Am I struggling to keep up with my regular responsibilities? Do I find it difficult to focus or concentrate? If you answered yes to any of these questions, it might be time to seek help. Many treatments and therapies are available for people suffering from high-functioning anxiety, and there is always hope for improvement.
What is High Functioning Anxiety?
High functioning anxiety disorder is characterized by intense and sometimes overwhelming fear or worry, but few symptoms that interfere with daily life. People with high-functioning anxiety typically have successful careers, strong social networks, and healthy relationships. They may be able to manage their anxiety well in most situations, but they can feel overwhelmed when faced with challenges or stressors.
Unlike people with low-functioning anxiety, who may struggle to keep up with activities of daily living and experience panic attacks or other major symptoms regularly, people with high-functioning anxiety usually appear normal on the outside. They may not realize they have an illness until it’s too late, and their quality of life has drastically changed.
A person’s level of functioning impacts how»high«their anxiety is. Someone who primarily experiences worry, and occasional intense fear would likely have a lower level of functioning than someone who experiences more frequent panic attacks and disabling symptoms.
Diagnosis typically involves a detailed history, mental health questionnaire, and tests that measure levels of the anxiety hormone cortisol and stress hormones like adrenaline. Treatment typically focuses on teaching people coping skills such as relaxation exercises and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Medications can also help reduce levels of the anxiety hormone cortisol and boost mood stability.
Types of High-Functioning Anxiety
Many people believe anxiety is a form of worry, while others may see it as a more severe disorder. In reality, there are three main types of anxiety. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are all forms of anxiety.
While all three disorders involve excessive worry or fear, the symptoms vary greatly between individuals. GAD is characterized by persistent and intrusive thoughts about everyday activities or situations that make normal life difficult. People with SAD often experience excessive sweating, shaking, and feelings of dread when in public or interacting with unfamiliar people. OCD sufferers experience recurrent thoughts or images that cause them significant distress. It is important to note that not all individuals with high-functioning anxiety will meet all three diagnostic criteria for a disorder; individuals may only experience one type of symptom.
There is no single cause for anxiety, but it can be caused by various factors, including genetics, traumatic experiences, and life stressors. Fortunately, treatment options exist that can help people manage their symptoms and live productive lives.
Symptoms of High-Functioning Anxiety
Symptoms of High Functioning Anxiety can vary significantly from person to person, but may include the following:
• Feeling on edge
• Started in activities
When anxiety is high functioning, it can feel like you’re always “on edge” and that your every action is monitored. You may find it difficult to relax and enjoy life. This type of anxiety is typically characterized by a strong self-awareness and an intense focus on the details of daily life.
How to Deal with High-Functioning Anxiety
Like most people, you probably don’t equate anxiety with being a total mess. But for people with high-functioning anxiety, managing everything from stress at work to anxiety around social situations can be a real challenge.
Here are some tips on how to deal with high-functioning anxiety:
1. Create a plan. No matter how overwhelming your anxiety feels, make a plan and stick to it. Setting simple goals—such as remembering to take your medications every day or going for a walk every evening—can help you stay on track. And when you find yourself struggling, remember that there are people who understand what you’re going through and will support you.
2. Talk to someone. If talking doesn’t seem like an option, try writing down your thoughts and feelings in a journal or talking to a trusted friend or family member about what’s happening. It can be tough to open up, but the more support you have, the better off you’ll be.
3. Get active. Exercise not only boosts your mood and energy levels, but studies have also shown that it can help reduce anxiety symptoms in those who suffer from it regularly. Whether you choose brisk walking or swimming as your exercise, try incorporating some type of physical activity into your daily routine – even if it’s just 10 minutes long!
Conclusion
Anyone can experience anxiety, but for some people, it manifests in a more high-functioning way. These individuals usually carry on with their day-to-day tasks despite feeling anxious, and often have an above-average IQ or other talents. If you suffer from a high level of anxiety that doesn’t necessarily impede your ability to function, read on for tips on managing your anxiety and living a happier life.
